How to Rig Live Bluegill for Catfish? Our Proven Tips

Using live bluegill as bait for catfish is one of the most effective methods, especially during the summer. We’ve spent countless hours on the water, testing various techniques, and bluegill has consistently proven to be a top performer.

In this guide, we’ll share our tried-and-true methods for using bluegills as bait and rigging live bluegills to catch catfish.

You might want to read this one as well: How to Hook a Bluegill For Bait? Step By Step Guide

Why Bluegill is an Ideal Catfish Bait?

Using bluegill as bait for catfish is incredibly effective, and there are several compelling reasons why. First and foremost, bluegill is abundant in most freshwater bodies where catfish also reside. This availability makes them an easy and convenient choice for anglers.

Catfish naturally feed on bluegill, so using them as bait aligns fish almost perfectly with the catfish’s diet, making them an irresistible target.

One of the significant advantages of using bluegill is how easy they are to catch. Whether you’re fishing in a pond, lake, or river, bluegill can be caught with simple equipment like a small hook and bait such as worms or crickets. This ease of capture means you can quickly gather enough bait for a successful lake or fishing trip without much hassle​.

From my experience, many species of catfish, particularly flatheads, show a strong preference for bluegill. Flathead catfish are known to favor live prey, and live bluegill, with its natural movements, is particularly enticing to them.

Even if you’re targeting channel or blue catfish, using fresh or cut bluegill can be highly effective. The scent and oils released from the cut bait attract these species, making it easier to lure them.

Legal Considerations

Before you head out to catch bluegill for bait, it’s crucial to check your local fishing regulations. Some states classify bluegill as a game fish, which might come with restrictions on their use as bait. Ensuring you’re within legal limits and adhering to creel limits is essential. Not only does this keep you on the right side of the law, but it also promotes sustainable fishing practices. In my experience, being aware of local laws and following these regulations ensures a more enjoyable and worry-free fishing experience

How to Catch Bluegill for Bait?

Catching bluegill is easy and enjoyable. For the best results, use red worms on a #8 circle hook with a small bobber and a 6-8 pound test line. Red worms are particularly effective, but you can also use J-hooks or other baits like crickets if needed.

Check our guide on The Perfect Hook Size for Bluegill Fishing – Size Chart!

Finding the right spot is important. Cast near the bank and under overhanging trees where bluegill likes to hide. They often stay close to cover and feed on insects that fall into the water. In warmer months, when the water is in the 70s, bluegill is found in shallow waters along the shore, usually from April until the fall.

For fishing, cast your bait near the cover and wait. Bluegill is quick to bite, so you should get a hit fairly soon. If you’re not getting bites, try moving to a different spot. A small bobber helps you notice even small bites.

Present your bait naturally. Make sure red worms are wriggling to attract bluegill. If they’re not biting, try other baits like crickets or bread. Experiment to see what works best.

Bluegill is most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so those are the best times to fish. Avoid the hottest part of the day when they are less active and move to deeper, cooler water.

In spring and early summer, bluegill move to shallow waters to spawn and are easier to catch. As the water cools in the fall, they go to deeper areas, but you can still catch them if you adjust your fishing approach.

Also, Check: Best Baits for Bluegill Fishing

How to Rig Live Bluegill for Catfish? – Here’s How We Do It…

When it comes to hooking bluegill for catching shad catfish here, placement is key. Here’s an idea of how we do it:

• Behind the Dorsal Fin: This is our go-to method. Hooking just under the dorsal fin keeps the bluegill alive longer and allows it to swim naturally, attracting catfish. This method works well in both still and moving waters.
• Through the Nostrils: This method is ideal for fishing in currents. Hooking through the nose ensures the bluegill faces upstream, presenting a natural appearance to predatory catfish. We’ve had great success using this method in rivers and streams with a steady current.
• Through the Lips: Perfect for still waters. This method allows the bluegill to move freely and stay alive longer. We often use this technique in ponds and lakes where there is little to no current.

Avoid hooking too deep or deeply into the gill spine or major organs, as this will kill the bluegill quickly. We’ve learned that properly hooked bluegill will stay lively and more attractive to the bass and catfish.

You should read our guide on What Size Hook For Catfish? Hook Size Chart. Also, check our recommendations on the 10 Best Catfish Hooks (Tested + Reviewed)

Best Rigs for Using Live Bluegill

Choosing the right rig can make a significant difference in your success rate. Here are our favorite setups:

Carolina Rig

This is a versatile rig that works well in various conditions. We use an egg sinker, swivel, leader line, and a circle hook. This setup is excellent for bottom fishing.

The egg sinker allows the bait to move freely, making it more enticing to catfish. We’ve caught numerous catfish using this rig, making it a staple in our tackle box.

Santee Rig

Similar to the Carolina rig but includes a float on the leader to keep the bait off the bottom. This rig helps avoid snags and keeps the bait in the strike zone.

We love using the Santee rig when fishing over rocky or snag-filled bottoms, as it minimizes the chances of losing our bait and rig.

Float Rig

Using a bobber with a leader line and circle hook, this setup is great for suspending bait above structures or in shallow waters. We often use this rig when fishing near submerged structures like logs or brush piles where catfish are likely to hide.

Also, check: Best Rigs for Catfish Fishing

Using Cut Bluegill as Bait

Cutting into Sections

We cut the bluegill into three parts – head, middle, and tail. Each piece serves as different-sized bait, suitable for various catfish sizes. The head is particularly effective for larger catfish, while the middle and tail sections can attract both large and smaller catfish.

The key is to create pieces that release a lot of scent into the water, which is irresistible to catfish. The headpiece, especially, has a lot of natural oils and blood that catfish find hard to resist​.

Hooking Techniques

To ensure the bait stays on the hook and releases plenty of scent, we use specific hooking techniques. We hook the head through the eye socket, which provides a secure hold and allows it to release more scent as it moves.

For the middle piece, we hook it through the back, ensuring it stays firm on the hook. The tailpiece is hooked by cutting off the tail fin and threading the hook through the flesh. This method helps the bait stay on the hook, even in strong currents and during aggressive bites​​.

You might want to read: Best Catfish Baits

Some Tips from the Author

• While bluegill is highly effective, gizzard shad and skipjack herring are also excellent cut baits. These fish have a strong scent and are readily available in many waters where catfish are found. They can be cut into sections similar to bluegill for use as bait​.
• Using circle hooks can improve your hookup rate with cut bait. Circle hooks are designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, which is ideal for catch-and-release fishing. They are also very effective in keeping the bait secure and increasing the chances of a successful catch.

Tips for Keeping Bluegill Alive

Keeping your bluegill lively is crucial for attracting catfish. Here’s what we do:

Live Wells and Aerators: Using a live well with a water pump or an aerator is the best way to keep bluegill alive. This method maintains a constant flow of oxygenated water, which is essential for keeping the fish healthy. Our boat is equipped with a live well that constantly changes the water, ensuring our bluegill stays healthy and active throughout the fishing trip​​.

Alternative Containers: When we’re on the go, we use float rolls or collapsible laundry baskets with holes to keep the water circulating. These are affordable and effective options. We’ve even used a plain old bucket with an aerator, but sometimes the bluegill jumps out, so we prefer the float rolls or laundry baskets to keep them contained and lively.

You might want to read: Chicken for Catfish Bait. Is it a Good Idea?